Dr. Northam has written a detailed study of an aspect of Ibsen's prose dramas that is of particular interest and importance. He shows how Ibsen skilfully increases our understanding of his characters, and at the same time reinforces the artistic unity of his plays by means of visual patterns which are recreated by the subtle manipulation of theatrical material. His analysis leads to a clearer understanding of Ibsen's purpose and an increased admiration of his subtlety and skill as a dramatist.